Trondheim-based ocean tech company Eelume is set to play a key role in one of the largest shipwreck exploration initiatives in Northern Europe. Through a newly signed 10-year contract with the Norwegian-Danish organization Epoke, Eelume’s underwater vehicles will be used to uncover historical secrets hidden on the seafloor.

“This is a collaboration we’re truly proud of. Epoke has brought together an extraordinary international team of experts in marine archaeology, history, and ocean research. Together, we aim to uncover lost chapters of our shared maritime history,” says CEO Thomas Nygaard of Eelume.

The project merges deep historical knowledge with advanced subsea technology. Epoke’s mission is to locate and document a wide range of shipwrecks and other submerged heritage sites across Northern European waters.

Epoke: Uncovering history beneath the waves

Epoke is a Norwegian-Danish nonprofit organization dedicated to marine archaeology and historical research. The organization consists of a highly interdisciplinary team with deep expertise in marine archaeology, history, and cultural heritage. Epoke leads large-scale expeditions to investigate and document submerged cultural treasures, working across sectors and borders to protect and share the stories hidden beneath the waves.

A mission recognized by The Explorers Club

The shipwreck search is officially recognized as a Flag Expedition by The Explorers Club, one of the world’s most prestigious organizations dedicated to scientific exploration. Since 1918, the club’s iconic flag has been carried on fewer than 600 expeditions, each selected for its potential to advance the frontiers of human knowledge.

Epoke and its partners have been entrusted with Flag 51, a symbol of global recognition and credibility.

“Carrying the flag is not only a great honor, it’s a powerful reminder that this is more than just archaeology. It’s exploration in the truest sense of the word,” says Thomas Nygaard.

Designed to go where others can’t

Eelume’s autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are purpose-built for operations in challenging and confined underwater environments. Their unique, snake-like design allows them to navigate tight spaces and stay close to the seabed—areas that are typically out of reach for conventional ROVs or vehicles.

“This is where our All-Terrain AUV really comes into its own,” says Thomas Nygaard. “We’re able to explore complex topographies that other vehicles can’t access, and combine that reach with sensors used in completely new ways. This opens up new possibilities and makes the wreck-hunting process more effective and precise.”

“This is more than a project—it’s a long-term mission with great historical and societal value. We look forward to contributing to new discoveries and insights about our maritime past,” adds Håkon Reinertsen in Epoke.

Admiral Henrik Ryberg (DK), Linda Reinertsen and Håkon Reinertsen from Epoke.org and Danish freediver and world record holder Stig Severinsen.

World record holder joins the mission

One of the participants in the project is Danish freediver Stig Severinsen who is a four-time world champion in freediving and holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest breath-hold (22 minutes) and the longest swim under ice. He is also famous for swimming 202 meters underwater on a single breath, using a monofin.